Cheers. Been reading up at www.tuigarden.co.nz and thinking about what I'd like to do this year. My father used to grow spuds, silverbeet and corn all the time, just got me pondering. Our 2 cats spent a lot of time in the lettuce I was growing in planter boxes till I stuck kebab sticks vertically. But I'm keen for a more practical solution (that doesn't include shooting them).

If we're growing something that's is best sown direct then yea we'll cover the beds with spare stakes, bamboo or what have you (spikes of some sort). Kebab sticks as you say work wonders. Most of our stuff is raised inside and then planted out, just cause it's much easier to raise the plants up in a sheltered environment.

To get started the Yates Garden Guide is an awesome resource. It has a quite a range of information from composting to what to grow in what climate etc.

My old lady sprinkles pepper and/or cayenne pepper around the areas she doesn't want the cats to go. Apparently they hate that shit. I've also heard that vinegar and used tea leaves will deter them as well.

My old lady sprinkles pepper and/or cayenne pepper around the areas she doesn't want the cats to go. Apparently they hate that shit. I've also heard that vinegar and used tea leaves will deter them as well.